Empowering Young Girls: My Experience at the Girls on the Run 5K Expo in Phoenix
Girls on the Run of Maricopa and Pinal Counties (GOTRMPC)
This past weekend I had the pleasure of setting up a Shendo Cat Racing tent at the Girls on the Run of Maricopa and Pinal Counties (GOTRMPC) 5K expo here in Phoenix; it was impressive.
For those of you who don’t know much about GOTRMPC, they are the local chapter of the internationally recognized 501c3 organization, Girls on the Run (GOTR). Their sole purpose is empowering young girls through physical activity. They are present here in the Phoenix area as afterschool programs in grade schools & middle schools throughout the Valley. And despite its name, the program isn’t about running as much as it’s about empowerment, inclusion, and realizing potential. I encourage you to learn more about them.
Now, as much as GOTR is about empowering young girls, running is still a part of it, and as such, their 5K is the end of the program celebration. Being present was a fantastic opportunity to be a part of this pinnacle of the GOTRMPC program after supporting them all season long through proceeds from our Xterra Trail Runs. The whole event is quite the experience.
From a race coordinator’s perspective, they did a fantastic job organizing the event and creating a fun atmosphere all morning. Being a trail guy, I sometimes forget how big pavement events, even local events, can get. This race was well over 1600 participants plus spectators and vendors… it’s no wonder they have to host this in Downtown Phoenix. I don’t think a park or trail here in the Valley could support that many athletes at once! Managing that many bodies, primarily children, mind you, can be challenging, and they pulled it off without a hitch.
Talking with the parents and athletes before and after the race was eye-opening. Every conversation reminded me of myself at some previous stage of my life. I still remember running my first timed mile in 7th grade, thinking there was no way we could run a mile. Do you have any idea how far a mile is?! It’s gonna kill me! And here are these grade school kids out there putting in 3.1 miles before breakfast.
Amazing.
Some kids were nervous, some proud, and yet others would have rather not been there at all. I can relate to all three. The parents expressed similar emotions though not necessarily matching the energy of their athlete.
The diversity was also incredible. There were kids and families there from all walks of life. Some kids had running pedigrees, while others were new to running, and they all took away something different from this experience. GOTR truly does strive for diversity, and that was evident there.
The Girls on the Run of Maricopa and Pinal Counties 5K was an incredible experience and a pleasure to be a part of it. It was amazing to witness the celebration of the girls’ achievements. Overall, it was an unforgettable experience (and I didn’t even run!), and I encourage everyone to empower those around you and to learn more about the Girls on the Run and their efforts.
